Top 10 food festivals in the U.S.

When: April 12, 2012 -- 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Scottsdale Quarter, Scottsdale, Arizona

Sunny Arizona will soon play host to the newest food festival to hit the scene. Foodies all over the U.S. are invited to enjoy food prepared by premier chefs at some of the finest restaurants in the state. Fine wines and craft beer will also be served. Expect lively jazz against a backdrop of Arizona’s one-of-a-kind sunsets.

When: April 13 & 14, 2012 

Where: Park Plaza Castle, Boston, Massachusetts

The Boston Beer Summit features over 60 craft brewers from all over the U.S. Sample over 200 beers from Widmer Brothers, Crabbies Ginger Beer, Guinness and more American and international brewers. This event sells out every year, so get your tickets early!

When: May 2 through 6, 2012 

Where: Locations vary by event.

The Dallas Wine & Food Festival will kick off its 28th annual event this May with five signature events held at venues across Dallas. You’ll experience showcases by local and national culinary experts, a wine tasting, dinner and a movie and more.

When: May 2 through 5

Where: Locations vary by day.

Recently named South Carolina’s event of the year, the annual Strawberry Festival celebrates America’s favorite sweet-tart berry. Take a swing at the grand prize in the golf tournament. Enter the ice cream or shortcake eating contest or enter the recipe contest.

When: May 20, 2012 -- 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: 41000 Main Street, Temecula, California

The Old Town Temecula Chili Cook-Off, part of Old Town Temecula Western Days, features some of the finest chili heads in the nation battling it out for cash prizes and bragging rights in addition to music and other attractions. Just make sure you get there early for the People’s Choice & Chili Tasting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until the chili gone!).

When: May 4 & 5

Where: New Roadhouse Amphitheater, Dover, Ohio

Check out the annual Dandelion Festival in the heart of the Amish country where you’ll enjoy dandelion jelly, dandelion sausage, dandelion bread, dandelion ice cream and more. You’ll also be able to see cooking demonstrations and arts and crafts, and enjoy the fruits of the dandelion cook-off!

When: June 2 & 3, 2012 -- 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Self-guided tour of 10 premier White Mountain inns.

Each of the 10 inns you’ll visit on the Inn to Inn Spring Herb Tour will introduce you to one of the glorious mountain herbs grown right in their own kitchen garden. You’ll learn interesting facts and herbal lore, taste the inn’s signature recipe featuring that herb and take home pots or seeds to grow your own.

When: July 25 through 29, 2012

Where: Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans, Louisiana

Shake things up this summer by attending Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s premier cocktail festival! Attendees will enjoy cocktails from some of the best mixologists in the country, fantastic cuisine, tastings, seminars, competitions and more.

When: June 6, 2012 -- 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where: Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, New York City

This annual benefit for the Central Park Conservatory allows park-goers to enjoy the natural beauty of one of New York’s iconic destinations while contributing to the conservatory’s mission to maintain the park. Sample culinary masterpieces from New York’s top chefs and kick the summer off right!